The Illinois Department on Aging helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older adults must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, we must also serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of our programs have an intergenerational emphasis. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older adults themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.

​Effective July 1, 2013, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) will handle all reports of alleged abuse against persons with disabilities aged 18-59 who live in domestic (non-institutional) settings. Pursuant to Public Act 98-0049, this responsibility transferred to IDoA from the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of the Inspector General. In addition, IDoA continues to respond to reports of alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons 60 years of age and older living in the community.

The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) transferred from the Illinois Department of Insurance to the Department on Aging effective April 1, 2013. SHIP provides outreach and counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate their healthcare options.

The Department coordinates with 13 Area Agencies on Aging and hundreds of contracted provider organizations at the local level to ensure home and community services are delivered to prevent older adults from prematurely entering nursing homes. More than 95 percent of the budge is outsourced to community-based organizations to meet our statutory mandate of providing appropriate services to older adults.

IDOA Features

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Ombudsman ProgramThe IDOA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has been advocating for the rights of seniors and adults with disabilities since 1980. This video provides information to increase awareness about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and the recent expansion of ombudsman advocacy into the community.

The public is encouraged to review the document and submit comment(s). Comments are being accepted through email or mail beginning June 19, 2015 through July 18, 2015. Comments by mail should be sent to: